OK, my battery is dead again.  Attributed this time to the damn horn and a stuck hazard flasher and laziness to disconnect the battery.  I thought it would be alright this time.

I bought a new charger from China that charges at 2, 10, and 50 amps.  Will 50 amps ruin the battery?  I seem to remember auto lore from my days as a young lad to that effect.  But I'd sure like to charge it up quickly!

Jim

I got my answer on the Corvette Forum.  Thanks.

Anyone finding this post: my best bet is 10 amps.  2 amps is a trickle charge and will take forever, 50 may damage the battery.  I'm looking at an all night charge to do it right.

Jim

Keep in mind you probably have a 60 amp alternator I believe the main choice is based on the time you would need it. If you come out to drive, find the car dead you would use the 50 amp setting to get going as soon as possible alt would finish charge just the same as if you could push start. many fast charges from a dead state would reduce the life of the battery, if overnight is ok 10 amp would be easier on the battery plates. 2 amp would be best and can be used to keep it charged. 2 more Cents   

I respectfully will disagree....NEVER use the 50 amp setting for anything other than a "boost" after charging it for at least an hour at the lower settings. Charging at 50 amps can damage the battery. Just because the alternator puts out 50-60 amps doesn't meant it does it all the time, as a charger does. An alternator charges as needed....a charger is full time ON.
With a dead battery from leaving the lights on, or similar deal, charge it at the 10 amp setting for an hour....that will usually get it up to enough voltage to start the car. If not, but almost, charge again for an hour, then put it on the 50 amp setting and crank it. As soon as it starts, be sure to disconnect the charger.
Also, on some vehicles with electronics, charging a dead battery at a high amp rating can damage electronic components.
If ya gotta get it running asap, use jumper cables, or a booster box.

|UPDATED|6/26/2013 10:08:35 AM (AZT)|/UPDATED|

Thanks guys.  I charged it for a few hours at 10 amps but now it too hot out in the garage and so cool in here.  I'll wait til icools off a bit and give it a try.

My charger has the same setting and reading everything that came with it (which I normally do not do).  It does caution use of 50 amp setting for liquid batteries.  Gel cells and another type I have never heard of it say 50 amp is ok but not recommended for long periods of time.  

For those who enjoyed the "Cars" movie(animated one), or for those that live the lifestyle of the california cruisers,  "Low and slow" is the motto for charging a battery... :)

Better clarification